Pirates Release Xavier Paul

The Pittsburgh Pirates have released Xavier Paul after the outfielder cleared waivers. The team couldn't outright him to AAA since Paul has more than three years of major league service time. They also can't re-sign him as a free agent until May 16th, 2012. His big strength is his speed and defense. The Pirates have a similar player in Gorkys Hernandez, who has more upside than Paul, so the loss isn't a major one....

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Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.